Amid escalating tensions in Asia, China’s lone aircraft carrier conducted military exercises Friday along with fighter jets after setting sail from the coastal city of Qingdao in east China, officials from the People’s Liberation Army Navy said. Military officials declined to state where the exercises where taking place, but called the drills routine, Reuters reported.

The exercises are part of China’s ongoing efforts to develop a navy capable of defending its economy, the world’s second largest, and its territorial positions amid disputes over who controls the South China and East China seas. China wants its aircraft carrier and fighter jets, including the Shenyang J-15, to be war ready, the Chinese navy has said.